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Sisterhood
As the waves crash on to a wild Atlantic beach, Lou is at a crossroads. For the first time ever, just giving up seems like an option. In just one night, at her own 50th birthday, her world has imploded. Her mother has kept a secret hidden all her life. And it changes everything. Before Lou can take another step, she needs to get to the bottom of the shocking truth that alters who she really is. Along with her sister, Toni, who is facing her own crisis, the two women sets out on a life-changing journey – one that will take them through Ireland’s wildest coastline and to Sicily’s sun-baked rocky shores. It will also take Lou deep into her relationships with her mother, her sister and her daughter to figure out how to stop pleasing everyone else – and carve out who she really wants to be.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2024
728 people are currently reading
1889 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Kelly
115 books1,088 followersBorn in Belfast but raised in Dublin, Cathy initially worked for thirteen years as a newspaper journalist with a national Irish Sunday newspaper, where she worked in news, features, along with spending time as an agony aunt and the paper’s film critic. However, her overwhelming love was always fiction and she published her first international bestseller, Woman To Woman, in 1997. She did not become a full-time writer until she had written another two books (She’s The One and Never Too Late) and finally decided to leave the world of journalism in 2001, moving to HarperCollins Publishers at the same time.
Someone Like You and What She Wants followed in successive years. Her sixth novel, Just Between Us, was her first Sunday Times number one bestseller, while her eighth novel, Always and Forever, topped the UK bestseller lists in October 2005, displacing Dan Brown and J. K. Rowling. In 2007, Past Secrets in was also a number one paperback bestseller.
Lessons in Heartbreak was shortlisted for the Eason Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards in April 2009. In September 2009, Once in a Lifetime topped the UK bestseller lists for three weeks. In March 2011, Homecoming achieved the same feat. Her latest novel is It Started With Paris, published by Orion in 2014.
In Autumn 2011, Cathy headlined a search for a new writer on ITV’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show.
Cathy’s trademark is warm story-telling and she consistently tops the bestseller lists around the world with books which deal with themes ranging from relationships and marriage to depression and loss, but always with an uplifting message and strong female characters at the heart.
Cathy also has a passionate interest in children’s rights and is an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland. Her role for UNICEF is a Global Parent, which means raising funds and awareness for children orphaned by or living with HIV/AIDs.
She lives with her husband, John, their twin sons, Dylan and Murray, and their three dogs in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.
To contact Cathy email info@cathykelly.com
Someone Like You and What She Wants followed in successive years. Her sixth novel, Just Between Us, was her first Sunday Times number one bestseller, while her eighth novel, Always and Forever, topped the UK bestseller lists in October 2005, displacing Dan Brown and J. K. Rowling. In 2007, Past Secrets in was also a number one paperback bestseller.
Lessons in Heartbreak was shortlisted for the Eason Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards in April 2009. In September 2009, Once in a Lifetime topped the UK bestseller lists for three weeks. In March 2011, Homecoming achieved the same feat. Her latest novel is It Started With Paris, published by Orion in 2014.
In Autumn 2011, Cathy headlined a search for a new writer on ITV’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show.
Cathy’s trademark is warm story-telling and she consistently tops the bestseller lists around the world with books which deal with themes ranging from relationships and marriage to depression and loss, but always with an uplifting message and strong female characters at the heart.
Cathy also has a passionate interest in children’s rights and is an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland. Her role for UNICEF is a Global Parent, which means raising funds and awareness for children orphaned by or living with HIV/AIDs.
She lives with her husband, John, their twin sons, Dylan and Murray, and their three dogs in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.
To contact Cathy email info@cathykelly.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
March 5, 2024
EXCERPT: It was a Saturday morning, the night after her fiftieth birthday party. Lou hadn't slept. She'd laid open-eyed on her bed for the whole night. Hadn't removed her make-up, hung up her dress or worried about flossing her teeth. Why floss? Why do any of it? Where had being a good girl ever got her? Absolutely nowhere.
'What did I do wrong?' she said out loud.
The wind was howling now and her words were quiet.
She tried it louder: shouted.
'What did I do wrong? Tell me!'
The wind from the Atlantic whipped across Lou's face and she wondered if the rain was going to come in. Rain would be good now. It would match her mood. Or perhaps hailstones would be better. The sharp pain of a thousand stones hitting her skin . . . That was exactly how last night had felt as, one by one, the people in Lou's life showed precisely how much they truly valued her. Her mother, Lillian, her husband, Ned, even her employers - the people she'd worked with for twelve hard years. They'd all shown her that she wasn't special, or a huge part of their life. She was the wife, daughter and employee who'd do anything for anybody and never ask for anything herself. 'Good old Lou', the family fixer so desperate to be liked that she'd never noticed that they didn't respect her.
ABOUT 'SISTERHOOD': As the waves crash on to a wild Atlantic beach, Lou is at a crossroads. For the first time ever, just giving up seems like an option. In just one night, at her own 50th birthday, her world has imploded. Her mother has kept a secret hidden all her life. And it changes everything. Before Lou can take another step, she needs to get to the bottom of the shocking truth that alters who she really is. Along with her sister, Toni, who is facing her own crisis, the two women sets out on a life-changing journey – one that will take them through Ireland’s wildest coastline and to Sicily’s sun-baked rocky shores. It will also take Lou deep into her relationships with her mother, her sister and her daughter to figure out how to stop pleasing everyone else – and carve out who she really wants to be.
MY THOUGHTS: Cathy Kelly is an auto read for me. I love her writing style, the characters that feel like family from the first page, her wit and wisdom.
Sisters Lou and Toni are like chalk and cheese. Lou runs a florist shop and makes sure that life runs smoothly for her employers, her mother, her husband and her beloved daughter Emily. Toni has a television show and is frontperson and ambassador for Women in Business. Although they are very different, they have a close and loving relationship; friends as well as sisters. I loved their bond.
Relationships are the focus of this novel. Lou's relationship with her husband, her mother, her daughter, her sister, her employers. The story also deals with employment issues, sexual harassment, anxiety, depression, addiction and co-dependency and does it in a way that had me rooting wholeheartedly for wonderful outcomes for both Lou and Toni, each facing their own crisis, but facing them together. But what really caught at my heart was that even though they both had major troubles in their lives, they still had room in their hearts to stop and help out someone else.
A heartwarming story of family, love and loyalty.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#Sisterhood #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Cathy Kelly is a former journalist who lives in Ireland’s County Wicklow with her family, as well as three dogs and a cat, all of whom are cruelly treated and never get to sit behind her office chair when she’s writing.
When not writing with a small dog at her back, she reads voraciously, dances round the kitchen, travels pillion on a motorbike, has a variety of textile art projects on the row – ‘Mum likes buying wool…’ : Anonymous – and pretends to Marie Kondo the house.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers Australia via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Sisterhood by Cathy Kelly for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'What did I do wrong?' she said out loud.
The wind was howling now and her words were quiet.
She tried it louder: shouted.
'What did I do wrong? Tell me!'
The wind from the Atlantic whipped across Lou's face and she wondered if the rain was going to come in. Rain would be good now. It would match her mood. Or perhaps hailstones would be better. The sharp pain of a thousand stones hitting her skin . . . That was exactly how last night had felt as, one by one, the people in Lou's life showed precisely how much they truly valued her. Her mother, Lillian, her husband, Ned, even her employers - the people she'd worked with for twelve hard years. They'd all shown her that she wasn't special, or a huge part of their life. She was the wife, daughter and employee who'd do anything for anybody and never ask for anything herself. 'Good old Lou', the family fixer so desperate to be liked that she'd never noticed that they didn't respect her.
ABOUT 'SISTERHOOD': As the waves crash on to a wild Atlantic beach, Lou is at a crossroads. For the first time ever, just giving up seems like an option. In just one night, at her own 50th birthday, her world has imploded. Her mother has kept a secret hidden all her life. And it changes everything. Before Lou can take another step, she needs to get to the bottom of the shocking truth that alters who she really is. Along with her sister, Toni, who is facing her own crisis, the two women sets out on a life-changing journey – one that will take them through Ireland’s wildest coastline and to Sicily’s sun-baked rocky shores. It will also take Lou deep into her relationships with her mother, her sister and her daughter to figure out how to stop pleasing everyone else – and carve out who she really wants to be.
MY THOUGHTS: Cathy Kelly is an auto read for me. I love her writing style, the characters that feel like family from the first page, her wit and wisdom.
Sisters Lou and Toni are like chalk and cheese. Lou runs a florist shop and makes sure that life runs smoothly for her employers, her mother, her husband and her beloved daughter Emily. Toni has a television show and is frontperson and ambassador for Women in Business. Although they are very different, they have a close and loving relationship; friends as well as sisters. I loved their bond.
Relationships are the focus of this novel. Lou's relationship with her husband, her mother, her daughter, her sister, her employers. The story also deals with employment issues, sexual harassment, anxiety, depression, addiction and co-dependency and does it in a way that had me rooting wholeheartedly for wonderful outcomes for both Lou and Toni, each facing their own crisis, but facing them together. But what really caught at my heart was that even though they both had major troubles in their lives, they still had room in their hearts to stop and help out someone else.
A heartwarming story of family, love and loyalty.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.2
#Sisterhood #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Cathy Kelly is a former journalist who lives in Ireland’s County Wicklow with her family, as well as three dogs and a cat, all of whom are cruelly treated and never get to sit behind her office chair when she’s writing.
When not writing with a small dog at her back, she reads voraciously, dances round the kitchen, travels pillion on a motorbike, has a variety of textile art projects on the row – ‘Mum likes buying wool…’ : Anonymous – and pretends to Marie Kondo the house.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers Australia via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Sisterhood by Cathy Kelly for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 28, 2024
When we first meet Louise Fielding, she’s standing on a wild Atlantic beach in Ireland, the day after her fifty birthday and she’s wondering what just happened and is it true? Emily organized her mum’s birthday party and like normal Lou’s husband Ned didn't do a thing and couldn't even buy her a present. On the big night her mother Lillian decides to reveal a hidden secret and in front of all the guests. Lou is upset, hurt and embarrassed and her sister Toni helps her and she's recently found out her life with her actor husband Oliver is in crisis and a mess.
Toni comes up with the idea of them both having a break, travel to Sicily and try to find a painter called Angelo Mulraney. They add a third musketeer to their group, Trinity McNeil, a young woman who’s trying to work out what she’s going to do, and the three ladies fly to Sicily.
While on the Mediterranean island Lou gets to have a much needed break, she spends quality time with her sister and Trinity, have fun and relax and try to solve the secret her thoughtless mother revealed.
The story focuses on Lou’s relationships, how she's the sensible and reliable one and people have been taking what she does for granted for too long. Lou has worked as a florist for twelve years, when a new management position is created and she can’t believe it when she’s overlooked for the job.
I received a digital copy of Sisterhood from Cathy Kelly from HarperCollins Publishers Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. I think many women can relate to Lou’s character, she’s a people pleaser and can never say 'no' to anyone and let’s people walk all over her. The story brings up relevant topics such as, not being treated fairly and sexual harassment in the work place, empty nest syndrome, getting too comfortable in a relationship and not putting enough effort in, lack of communication and expressing your feelings, anxiety and depression.
The eldest daughter in families seem to be cursed, I'm one and we like to do things perfectly every time and are born sensible, the narrative made me feel all kinds of emotions from anger, sadness and I laughed out loud at times and four stars from me.
Toni comes up with the idea of them both having a break, travel to Sicily and try to find a painter called Angelo Mulraney. They add a third musketeer to their group, Trinity McNeil, a young woman who’s trying to work out what she’s going to do, and the three ladies fly to Sicily.
While on the Mediterranean island Lou gets to have a much needed break, she spends quality time with her sister and Trinity, have fun and relax and try to solve the secret her thoughtless mother revealed.
The story focuses on Lou’s relationships, how she's the sensible and reliable one and people have been taking what she does for granted for too long. Lou has worked as a florist for twelve years, when a new management position is created and she can’t believe it when she’s overlooked for the job.
I received a digital copy of Sisterhood from Cathy Kelly from HarperCollins Publishers Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. I think many women can relate to Lou’s character, she’s a people pleaser and can never say 'no' to anyone and let’s people walk all over her. The story brings up relevant topics such as, not being treated fairly and sexual harassment in the work place, empty nest syndrome, getting too comfortable in a relationship and not putting enough effort in, lack of communication and expressing your feelings, anxiety and depression.
The eldest daughter in families seem to be cursed, I'm one and we like to do things perfectly every time and are born sensible, the narrative made me feel all kinds of emotions from anger, sadness and I laughed out loud at times and four stars from me.
July 12, 2024
I am not writing a review on this as I am so tired but this was enjoyable, great characters wonderful setting in Cicely beautiful writing by the talented author Cathy Kelly what more is there to say!!!
February 2, 2024
'Nobody ever sees angels or notices what they do'.
Lou is a people pleaser. She is 'the milk of human kindness'. Whenever she feels disappointed or unappreciated, she just pushes the feeling away, avoids confrontation, and figures the universe has bigger plans for her. Her sister Tori is the opposite. She's a self-assured, confident, 'boss' lady. As a TV journalist and presenter, she knows just how to ask the right questions in order to get the answers she wants. However, on the eve of Lou's big 50th bash, both are confronted with emotional bombs which cause them to reflect on just who they really are, and they start the journey toward finding who they really want to be.
Cathy Kelly brings us another heartwarming story of friendships, family, and unconditional love. Within 'Sisterhood' you'll find some real truisms about growing older, gender stereotypes and just wanting to feel appreciated for who you are. You're bound to find something that resonates with you.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy.
Lou is a people pleaser. She is 'the milk of human kindness'. Whenever she feels disappointed or unappreciated, she just pushes the feeling away, avoids confrontation, and figures the universe has bigger plans for her. Her sister Tori is the opposite. She's a self-assured, confident, 'boss' lady. As a TV journalist and presenter, she knows just how to ask the right questions in order to get the answers she wants. However, on the eve of Lou's big 50th bash, both are confronted with emotional bombs which cause them to reflect on just who they really are, and they start the journey toward finding who they really want to be.
Cathy Kelly brings us another heartwarming story of friendships, family, and unconditional love. Within 'Sisterhood' you'll find some real truisms about growing older, gender stereotypes and just wanting to feel appreciated for who you are. You're bound to find something that resonates with you.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy.
March 5, 2024
Sisterhood is the twenty-second novel by best-selling Irish author, Cathy Kelly. When, soon after her fiftieth birthday party, Lou Fielding takes off to Sligo, and then Sicily, with her younger sister, Toni, her daughter Emily isn’t worried: it’s about time her mother took time for herself. Lou’s disorganised husband, Ned assumes she’ll soon forgive him for forgetting to buy her a gift.
Her sculptress mother, Lillian, though, is quite put out that her normally biddable daughter isn’t at her beck and call to see to the menial chores with which she, as a creative, shouldn’t have to bother. And her ungrateful employers at Blossom Flowers are just about frantic that Lou isn’t answering her phone when a wealthy client is expecting Lou’s personal attention and the young business-degreed new hire hasn’t a clue.
They have all taken her for granted, a situation for which Lou does bear some responsibility: she tended to make her own needs so minuscule that nobody remembered them. “Why did she feel that she had no right to bother other people with her problems when they had no problem bothering her with theirs?”
There are seven years between Lou and Toni, and nobody would have even guessed they were sisters. Toni is utterly self-contained and confident, while Lou could fit her self-confidence in one of the tiny, enamelled pill boxes their aunt Gloria collected. Toni has a wildly popular TV show, she also mentors as part of the Women in Business charity. It wasn’t that Toni was an absent sister, but she had a big life and, by contrast, Lou felt her own life was small.
But now, Toni has problems of her own: a husband who has betrayed her trust, but not in the usual way; and a nasty businessman who has recorded an angry tirade that amounts to career suicide. She needs time to think about what to do, and distraction when it gets a bit overwhelming, and their quest in Sicily is just the ticket.
And Sicily? That’s because of the shockingly insensitive revelation Lillian made at the party about Lou’s parentage. Just to add a little more spice to the trip, they acquire a very appreciative hitchhiker who gives them a youthful perspective on life’s problems and joys.
Kelly certainly has the knack for producing a lump in the throat, of making the jaw drop at some of the behaviour of her characters, and of providing laugh out loud at some of the dialogue. Her characters are mostly appealing and she gives them wise words and insightful observations. Lou eventually notes: “People treated you how you allowed them to treat you” and understands that “Her mother was very successful at only worrying about what she cared to worry about”, while Toni tells her “There were no princes in life – women needed to rescue themselves and they helped each other.” Topical, moving and thought-provoking.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Her sculptress mother, Lillian, though, is quite put out that her normally biddable daughter isn’t at her beck and call to see to the menial chores with which she, as a creative, shouldn’t have to bother. And her ungrateful employers at Blossom Flowers are just about frantic that Lou isn’t answering her phone when a wealthy client is expecting Lou’s personal attention and the young business-degreed new hire hasn’t a clue.
They have all taken her for granted, a situation for which Lou does bear some responsibility: she tended to make her own needs so minuscule that nobody remembered them. “Why did she feel that she had no right to bother other people with her problems when they had no problem bothering her with theirs?”
There are seven years between Lou and Toni, and nobody would have even guessed they were sisters. Toni is utterly self-contained and confident, while Lou could fit her self-confidence in one of the tiny, enamelled pill boxes their aunt Gloria collected. Toni has a wildly popular TV show, she also mentors as part of the Women in Business charity. It wasn’t that Toni was an absent sister, but she had a big life and, by contrast, Lou felt her own life was small.
But now, Toni has problems of her own: a husband who has betrayed her trust, but not in the usual way; and a nasty businessman who has recorded an angry tirade that amounts to career suicide. She needs time to think about what to do, and distraction when it gets a bit overwhelming, and their quest in Sicily is just the ticket.
And Sicily? That’s because of the shockingly insensitive revelation Lillian made at the party about Lou’s parentage. Just to add a little more spice to the trip, they acquire a very appreciative hitchhiker who gives them a youthful perspective on life’s problems and joys.
Kelly certainly has the knack for producing a lump in the throat, of making the jaw drop at some of the behaviour of her characters, and of providing laugh out loud at some of the dialogue. Her characters are mostly appealing and she gives them wise words and insightful observations. Lou eventually notes: “People treated you how you allowed them to treat you” and understands that “Her mother was very successful at only worrying about what she cared to worry about”, while Toni tells her “There were no princes in life – women needed to rescue themselves and they helped each other.” Topical, moving and thought-provoking.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
July 26, 2025
4⭐️ = Good.
Paperback.
This was lent to me by my friend, and to be honest, I didn’t hold out much hope as I’ve never really been over enamoured with any of her previous books that I’ve read. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised!
It was definitely an easy read and one that’d be an ideal holiday read, as you can pick it up and put it down without losing the plot thread.
A small cast of characters that had normal life experiences.
Paperback.
This was lent to me by my friend, and to be honest, I didn’t hold out much hope as I’ve never really been over enamoured with any of her previous books that I’ve read. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised!
It was definitely an easy read and one that’d be an ideal holiday read, as you can pick it up and put it down without losing the plot thread.
A small cast of characters that had normal life experiences.
November 21, 2023
This one isn’t released until February of next year, but I am such a long-time fan of Cathy Kelly that when I received an early copy, I couldn’t wait until closer to the release to read it. Cathy is like honey on toast on a rainy day – total comfort. She’s not as prolific as she used to be, but the strength and warmth of her Irish stories are just as good as ever.
I’m at the same age as the sisters in this novel so what they were going through was relevant and interesting to me. I really liked both Lou and Toni, adored Aunt Gloria and Emily, despised Lillian – their mother, and as to Trinity, the lost soul they picked up along the way from the side of the road, she turned out to be a real treasure.
This entire novel just oozes warmth and has all the feels, all the way through. I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend it as a pre-order if you are so inclined.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
I’m at the same age as the sisters in this novel so what they were going through was relevant and interesting to me. I really liked both Lou and Toni, adored Aunt Gloria and Emily, despised Lillian – their mother, and as to Trinity, the lost soul they picked up along the way from the side of the road, she turned out to be a real treasure.
This entire novel just oozes warmth and has all the feels, all the way through. I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend it as a pre-order if you are so inclined.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
April 4, 2025
This is a powerful read showing the strength of women together in it's finest. Lou the lead is sick of being the pushover her sister, daughter and young woman they pick up along the way get her to see this. The people who deserve Lou including Ned are still there by the end. I love how romance comes in second in this one. It's there in the right amount but there is so much more to this story. I loved every second even though I'd guessed how Gloria came into the past.
September 26, 2024
I have read terms and conditions that are more interesting than this book.
You know those artworks that people have around their homes (live, lough laugh or some inspirational shit in the kitchen about how a dash of love and a handful of patiences makes a family), this book is what happens when you take all of those and flesh them out into a book. The writing is laughable, the characters are diabolical and the storyline was ??
I think I found the wikihow article that the author used for their understanding of feminism and if anyone wants to join the author in the most limited understanding of feminism, you can google ‘How to Be a Feminist: 12 Steps (with Pictures)’. This wikihow feminism theory of mine is further proved by the character thinking that the *most* disenfranchised women in society are single mothers.. babe :( step outside and see the world.
Anyways I am calling Jeff Bezos as we speak and requesting a feature on Goodreads for negative star rating.
All in all, looking forward to putting this tough experience behind me and I guess I thank the book for teaching me patience
You know those artworks that people have around their homes (live, lough laugh or some inspirational shit in the kitchen about how a dash of love and a handful of patiences makes a family), this book is what happens when you take all of those and flesh them out into a book. The writing is laughable, the characters are diabolical and the storyline was ??
I think I found the wikihow article that the author used for their understanding of feminism and if anyone wants to join the author in the most limited understanding of feminism, you can google ‘How to Be a Feminist: 12 Steps (with Pictures)’. This wikihow feminism theory of mine is further proved by the character thinking that the *most* disenfranchised women in society are single mothers.. babe :( step outside and see the world.
Anyways I am calling Jeff Bezos as we speak and requesting a feature on Goodreads for negative star rating.
All in all, looking forward to putting this tough experience behind me and I guess I thank the book for teaching me patience
February 21, 2024
A great read from this author. It's been awhile since I've read a Cathy Kelly book and I really enjoyed it. Emotional and warm. All about relationships between two sisters. What's not to like? My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 12, 2024
A fantastic read, although it didn’t hold me as much as her other books have done. It’s a brilliant story, but something was missing.
October 1, 2024
hello!! This is a book club book!!
I believe it’s the perfect holiday / summer book. It’s full of decade long family secrets and drama. It’s heavily focused on female characters who are at different stages of their lives. The story over all for me sits in the middle of the field, there was potential for something really spicy but it all felt a bit mid. The main character Lou I felt like she could’ve just stood up for herself agessss ago, she literally just let people treat her the way that they did because she just let them; believing that the universe would look after her. But in life you really gotta take it by the balls and do things for yourself and not be a pushover; it took this women 50 years and a big life bomb to make her realise she was being everyone’s bitch and she doesn’t have to do that to be a good person. Some standout characters for me was Toni, the sister, I thought she was boss and slay. Literally the polar opposite of Lou, she knows how to stand her ground and get shit done; also an honourable mention is Lillian - I know she is meant to be the villain character but I loved her, she is deeply flawed and took advantage of everyone but I mean if no one is going to tell her no and just be bystanders to her behaviour why would she change? I kinda loved that but I think I’m in the minority. Again the male characters were just ughh, I’m forever reading male characters that are just absolutely hopeless. Overall I’d read this in the summer, although it felt a little longer than it should it’s a decent read plus they go to Italy so :) - 2 stars.
I believe it’s the perfect holiday / summer book. It’s full of decade long family secrets and drama. It’s heavily focused on female characters who are at different stages of their lives. The story over all for me sits in the middle of the field, there was potential for something really spicy but it all felt a bit mid. The main character Lou I felt like she could’ve just stood up for herself agessss ago, she literally just let people treat her the way that they did because she just let them; believing that the universe would look after her. But in life you really gotta take it by the balls and do things for yourself and not be a pushover; it took this women 50 years and a big life bomb to make her realise she was being everyone’s bitch and she doesn’t have to do that to be a good person. Some standout characters for me was Toni, the sister, I thought she was boss and slay. Literally the polar opposite of Lou, she knows how to stand her ground and get shit done; also an honourable mention is Lillian - I know she is meant to be the villain character but I loved her, she is deeply flawed and took advantage of everyone but I mean if no one is going to tell her no and just be bystanders to her behaviour why would she change? I kinda loved that but I think I’m in the minority. Again the male characters were just ughh, I’m forever reading male characters that are just absolutely hopeless. Overall I’d read this in the summer, although it felt a little longer than it should it’s a decent read plus they go to Italy so :) - 2 stars.
November 5, 2023
Another fantastic Cathy Kelly story.
Lou's life turns upside down on her fiftieth birthday as her mother reveals a huge secret.
Together with her sister, Toni, Lou heads off in search of the truth, as well as to find herself and build an inner strength that she had lost.
There were plenty of twists within this tale, but the character development was fantastic. There could have been a simple HEA, but the way Kelly took the story meant the characters and we, the readers, must work for it.
Lou is there for everyone. She helps to keep her whole family on an been keel, from her husband to her mother, as well as being the organised brain behind the company she works for.
Tori is that confident woman who appears to have it all.
Both sisters learn disturbing facts about their families and lives, which means they end up on a trip to Sicily to find out what the truth is.
Their mother, Lillian, is a nasty piece of work, though.
So many women out there end up like Lou, taken for granted. The ones who keep everyone else going, anticipating all needs, and dropping everything at the drop of a hat to make life easier for others. I love that this ends with Lou finding herself and realising she can still be there for others without losing herself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC.
Lou's life turns upside down on her fiftieth birthday as her mother reveals a huge secret.
Together with her sister, Toni, Lou heads off in search of the truth, as well as to find herself and build an inner strength that she had lost.
There were plenty of twists within this tale, but the character development was fantastic. There could have been a simple HEA, but the way Kelly took the story meant the characters and we, the readers, must work for it.
Lou is there for everyone. She helps to keep her whole family on an been keel, from her husband to her mother, as well as being the organised brain behind the company she works for.
Tori is that confident woman who appears to have it all.
Both sisters learn disturbing facts about their families and lives, which means they end up on a trip to Sicily to find out what the truth is.
Their mother, Lillian, is a nasty piece of work, though.
So many women out there end up like Lou, taken for granted. The ones who keep everyone else going, anticipating all needs, and dropping everything at the drop of a hat to make life easier for others. I love that this ends with Lou finding herself and realising she can still be there for others without losing herself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC.
March 7, 2024
I absolutely adore Cathy Kelly's books and have read them for, what feels like, an eternity.
Lou is a sensitive soul and a salt-of-the-earth type of person. Her sister, Toni, is a strong lady, who won't be pushed around. On the evening of Lou's 50th birthday, their mother unleashes a bombshell, to say the least, and the two sisters are off on a journey learning about themselves, each other and a whole lot of other things.
Both women, Lou and Toni, are very relatable. It's an absolute hug of a book and perfect for toastie nights in or for a beach holiday. I wasn't prepared for how often the storyline would hit home, though.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for this ARC.
Lou is a sensitive soul and a salt-of-the-earth type of person. Her sister, Toni, is a strong lady, who won't be pushed around. On the evening of Lou's 50th birthday, their mother unleashes a bombshell, to say the least, and the two sisters are off on a journey learning about themselves, each other and a whole lot of other things.
Both women, Lou and Toni, are very relatable. It's an absolute hug of a book and perfect for toastie nights in or for a beach holiday. I wasn't prepared for how often the storyline would hit home, though.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for this ARC.
September 18, 2024
I have been reading Cathy Kelly’s books for about a decade now. I’ve loved every book, and Sisterhood is no exception! Spanning between Ireland and Sicily, the story follows two sisters, Lou and Toni. The sisters have their ups and downs surrounding family, friends, work and life in general however, the women are both such strong, relatable characters, despite their hurdles. Cathy wrote her latest heartwarming story while battling cancer, which shows she’s just as strong as the characters she writes about. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for my copy of this book.
February 27, 2024
Sisterhood is the story of Lou and Toni. Lou is a sensitive soul, a real people pleaser. Her sister, Toni, is the strong one who won't be pushed around. On the evening of Lou's 50th birthday, their mother drops a bombshell with the fallout being that the two sisters embark on a journey (literal and figurative) which will ultimately see them learning about themselves, each other and a whole range of other things.
‘Whatever happened, she would make her sister take at least the weekend to figure out that she did far too much for everyone. Otherwise nothing would change and Lou would be a doormat all her life.’
There are many themes covered throughout this tale. The obvious ones pertain to the sisters themselves - Lou never saying ‘no’ to people and being walked all over; and Toni, the woman in leadership and the battles her gender face in that role. Other topics that arise concern office politics, sexual harassment, empty nest syndrome, communication and love in relationships, anxiety and depression, family secrets, honesty and learning to speak up for yourself.
‘For now, she would enjoy what she had. Wasn't that the secret to happiness, according to all the self-help books she'd read? Enjoy the now and don't worry about the future because you can't control it.
Easier said than done.’
Sisterhood is a feel good story as these two very different sisters come together to tackle the secrets that have unraveled their lives. Time together allows them to take stock of their lives, reevaluate and take the steps necessary to make the needed changes. In this drama filled story, sisterly love prevails to give them both the courage to change and become the people they know they can be.
‘You can't change people,' said Lou, shrugging.
'Yeah, you can only change how you react to them'
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘Whatever happened, she would make her sister take at least the weekend to figure out that she did far too much for everyone. Otherwise nothing would change and Lou would be a doormat all her life.’
There are many themes covered throughout this tale. The obvious ones pertain to the sisters themselves - Lou never saying ‘no’ to people and being walked all over; and Toni, the woman in leadership and the battles her gender face in that role. Other topics that arise concern office politics, sexual harassment, empty nest syndrome, communication and love in relationships, anxiety and depression, family secrets, honesty and learning to speak up for yourself.
‘For now, she would enjoy what she had. Wasn't that the secret to happiness, according to all the self-help books she'd read? Enjoy the now and don't worry about the future because you can't control it.
Easier said than done.’
Sisterhood is a feel good story as these two very different sisters come together to tackle the secrets that have unraveled their lives. Time together allows them to take stock of their lives, reevaluate and take the steps necessary to make the needed changes. In this drama filled story, sisterly love prevails to give them both the courage to change and become the people they know they can be.
‘You can't change people,' said Lou, shrugging.
'Yeah, you can only change how you react to them'
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
October 4, 2025
Just right if you want a book that’s easy reading but also engaging and gives a positive vibe. Would be a good holiday read I reckon.
Read
August 21, 2024Sorry. Bored. DNF @30%
November 27, 2023
Lou's mother, Lillian, drops a bombshell at her 50th birthday party. Meanwhile, Lou's sister Toni has just had her own life shattered. The two sisters embark on a journey through Ireland and then Scicily. Reflecting on the past and making plans for the future.
Well, I absolutely adored this book. I've not read anything by this author before, but I will definitely change that.
I loved Lou and Toni. Like chalk and cheese, Toni is fiery, a go-getter, and takes no nonsense or prisoners. Lou is a people pleaser. Her husband Ned is taking her for granted as is their mother, Lillian.
I loved Trinity, who has her own crisis. Lucky for her that she is picked up by Toni and Lou. I didn't like Lillian. She was a very selfish character.
This was a lovely heartwarming read. In some ways, I didn't want it to end.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the invitation to read in return for an honest review.
Well, I absolutely adored this book. I've not read anything by this author before, but I will definitely change that.
I loved Lou and Toni. Like chalk and cheese, Toni is fiery, a go-getter, and takes no nonsense or prisoners. Lou is a people pleaser. Her husband Ned is taking her for granted as is their mother, Lillian.
I loved Trinity, who has her own crisis. Lucky for her that she is picked up by Toni and Lou. I didn't like Lillian. She was a very selfish character.
This was a lovely heartwarming read. In some ways, I didn't want it to end.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the invitation to read in return for an honest review.
February 15, 2024
I have previously enjoyed many books by Cathy Kelly, but I’m sorry to say this one just didn’t work for me.
Two unlikeable sisters, Toni, an egotistical woman who believes that aggressively ranting on the radio and calling out a local businessman for his lack of female management staff will help women in the work place 🤦🏻♀️, and Lou, a doormat of a woman who moans constantly. Add in their vile mother, who they’re not even allowed to call mum, who goes off on a completely random rant at Lou’s 50th birthday and I was ready to give up!
I struggled through, but it didn’t really improve and became less believable when the sisters picked up a random hitchhiker and took her off to Sicily with them! Why would anyone do that?
Just not for me, this time.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Cathy Kelly and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Two unlikeable sisters, Toni, an egotistical woman who believes that aggressively ranting on the radio and calling out a local businessman for his lack of female management staff will help women in the work place 🤦🏻♀️, and Lou, a doormat of a woman who moans constantly. Add in their vile mother, who they’re not even allowed to call mum, who goes off on a completely random rant at Lou’s 50th birthday and I was ready to give up!
I struggled through, but it didn’t really improve and became less believable when the sisters picked up a random hitchhiker and took her off to Sicily with them! Why would anyone do that?
Just not for me, this time.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Cathy Kelly and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.
February 1, 2024
We meet Lou on a beach in Ireland reeling from events the night before at her 50th birthday party, finding out that others do not appreciate her and pretty much take her for granted. Unbeknown to her, her sister Toni is also re-evaluating her life. They embark on an almost Thelma and Louise journey to put themselves first. Hearing some home truths makes Lou look at her life from others point of view realising that things must change.
I really enjoyed this book, I've previously read a few Ms Kelly books and this novel reiterates why I love them. They are an easy read with relatable characters. This book takes us to sunny Sicily so an ideal beach read
I really enjoyed this book, I've previously read a few Ms Kelly books and this novel reiterates why I love them. They are an easy read with relatable characters. This book takes us to sunny Sicily so an ideal beach read
June 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very relatable, especially Lou who had to find herself and be brave enough to put herself first after an explosive secret is revealed at her 50th birthday party.
Her sister Toni talks her into a road trip and together they start a self discovery journey with both of them having to face uncomfortable truths.
It was very well written and I was really caught up in the story. I enjoyed the multiple POVs, but I was a bit lost as to how/why Trinity's story became involved. I don't think it really added value to the wider storyline.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Her sister Toni talks her into a road trip and together they start a self discovery journey with both of them having to face uncomfortable truths.
It was very well written and I was really caught up in the story. I enjoyed the multiple POVs, but I was a bit lost as to how/why Trinity's story became involved. I don't think it really added value to the wider storyline.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 28, 2024
I do love Sisterhood and Cathy Kelly always writes a good book so I was looking forward to reading this one. A book about sisters but also about secrets, a life changing journey and family relationships. I love books about family dynamics and Cathy Kelly does this type of writing with ease.
Following the journey of not just Lou and her sister Toni but of their mother Lillian, Aunt Gloria and even a young hitch-hiker, Trinity, whom they picked up along their journey. This really is a story about secrets, about personalities and about life and the changes that sometimes need to be made.
This book took my on a journey and made me feel as if I were there. I loved the Irish setting and the characters and felt they were people I would know. There is drama of course but it is also entertaining and is definitely an enjoyable read. Heart-warming with plenty of love, emotion and so much more. A great read adn one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Sisterhood
Cathy Kelly
HarperCollins
Following the journey of not just Lou and her sister Toni but of their mother Lillian, Aunt Gloria and even a young hitch-hiker, Trinity, whom they picked up along their journey. This really is a story about secrets, about personalities and about life and the changes that sometimes need to be made.
This book took my on a journey and made me feel as if I were there. I loved the Irish setting and the characters and felt they were people I would know. There is drama of course but it is also entertaining and is definitely an enjoyable read. Heart-warming with plenty of love, emotion and so much more. A great read adn one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Sisterhood
Cathy Kelly
HarperCollins
May 23, 2024
This book has a way of transporting you into another country, experience the laid-back, care-free vibe. It’s such a cosy warm book filled with good feelings. I very much enjoyed the storyline and the character development. There were a few times I was bored and wanted to story to pick up the pace, and a couple characters I didn’t care for, also found the third person writing hard to follow with the sheer amount of characters, especially at the beginning. Also found the paragraph breaks and chapter breaks frustrating when it shifted perspective on another character. The author, however, does a fantastic job at relating all the characters together as one big story-line. And the ending!! Fantastic job at pulling all the loose strings together and concluding in a satisfying way. 3.5/5
June 25, 2025
An easy read, and I enjoyed following the strong female characters. I was more interested in Toni's story than Lou's, which was strange given that Lou was the main character. The addition of Trinity's character half way through the book was unrealistic and, in my opinion, didn't add anything to the story. 3.5 stars
April 3, 2024
This was a lovely read, perfect for relaxing.
March 3, 2025
Prima boek om weg te lezen, wel voorspelbaar. De karakters lagen er te dik boven op; nu weten we wel dat Lou en people pleaser is. Maar verder wel aardig boek. Sterren: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
November 19, 2024
Would give this story 4 stars because it's a bit slow in some parts but it gets an extra star because I like how it highlights the unique and special relationship with siblings 💕
May 9, 2025
3.5⭐️
May 10, 2025
Enjoyable. I love reading about women finding themselves again. Also relatable because I love both my sister and collecting trinkets.
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